John, a Business Administration major at Florida International University, has over 15 years of experience playing basketball. His basketball encounters, from coaching a Hammocks League team, to playing on numerous leagues, have led him to competitions with some of the best developing players in the country, and the most competitive leagues Miami has to offer. “ I have been playing basketball since middle school and I have benefitted from the developmental tools it provides in life. When the child enters Hoop Dreams they will develop a sense of teamwork and discipline that will have them ahead of their years,” says John. John’s dedication to children comes from his parents’ support of his love of sports. He has been constantly supported by those who surround him and seeks to provide that support to others around him.

Mauricio, a Hospitality Management major at Florida International University, has extensive experience working with children on many different levels. Mauricio has a natural knack for teaching, and has had much experience doing so as an after-school care leader at William Lehman Elementary School over the past four years. Mauricio has literally dived head first into sports instruction as a water safety instructor, where, at Little Swimmers, he taught over 500 children, ages 8 months to mid teens, competitive swimming over the last five years. Additionally, Mauricio has coached and officiated basketball over the last ten years and has coached all ages and levels of competitive basketball. He has a true passion for teaching, and that coupled with his love of basketball make him a true fit to teach the love of the game to others.